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MATT ADOLPHE, B.A., M.A.

Matt is an author, a keynote speaker, and a leading expert on Canadian workplace culture.

Matt is an author, a keynote speaker, and a leading expert on Canadian workplace culture. Also, he is an experienced course facilitator who has developed many business/writing communication courses. He facilitates a variety of professional courses in a variety of industries typically focusing on diversity, inclusion, leadership, and communication skills in the workplace. His two books are “Would You Hire You?” and “Canadian Workplace Culture: Mastering the Unspoken Rules.”

Canadian Workplace Culture: Mastering the Unspoken Rules

“What nobody will ever tell you about succeeding in Canada!”

Matt Adolphe, an internationally-experienced communication expert, explains why certain behaviours don’t work in Canada’s workplaces. He reveals ten easy rules for fitting in, becoming accepted and prospering. Whether you are starting a new job, immigrating to Canada or just want to be more successful, this book is for you.

Some key points from the book

Matt Adolphe, an internationally-experienced communication expert, explains why certain behaviours don’t work in Canada’s workplaces. He reveals ten easy rules for fitting in, becoming accepted and prospering. Whether you are starting a new job, immigrating to Canada or just want to be more successful, this book is for you.

In order to avoid hurt feelings and possible conflict, Canadians tend to be indirect. When it comes to disagreement or negative emotions, Canadians rarely speak their minds. The lack of directness may be hard to understand for some; the truth is, Canadians communicate a lot with non-verbal cues.

One of the most distinct Canadian cultural characteristics is the everyday small talk. Canadians avoid topics that would lead to a debate, small talk such as the weather is thus a very common Canadian conversation.

Due to the conflict-averse nature of Canadian culture, one may easily be perceived as arrogant if not conforming to the accepted norms of the Canadian indirectness. Canadians tend to regard directness as being rude and individualism as being arrogant. 

It is therefore important to “fit in” and not “stand apart” in order to minimize conflict. One of the most effective ways of fitting in is to be mindful of the dress code. Dressing differently from the norm may be perceived as arrogant and unaccommodating.